Halwende's Reincarnation

By John Wegener

I’ll rescue Adala, or I’ll die trying.

With the prospect of war imminent for Helheim, Adala is less than impressed with Halwende for bringing it to her. And she suspects he’s involved with another woman.

Once he smooths things out he impresses on her the inevitability of war with the Rigel Empire.

Acting on information he gleaned from the records on Eridu, Halwende discovers old empire warships that still use Flerovium crystals as their power source and believes he now has a fighting chance of overthrowing the emperor.

Destroying Barak’s fleet of warship, Halwende’s confidence of success escalates.
But when Adala is kidnapped and taken to Eridu, Halwende realises he must sacrifice himself to save Adala and her people.

Can he find a way to escape with Adala or is this the end for him after suffering so much loss?

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Wegener
• Release date: Jun 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005826581

John Wegener

I'm a dreamer...always have been.I have dreamed of flying to the stars since I was a child, looking up at the Milky Way on a moonless and cloudless winter’s night, wondering what’s out there.I started writing in 2016 and now write full time. Ten published books later, I’m still writing strong with many more stories in my head for others to enjoy. My stories revolve around science fiction, primarily space based stories with as strong an element of hard science as I can place into the stories. This means they usually occur in the near future (next one to two hundred years). But I do delve into the fantastic sci fi for stories of intrigue and adventure other than hard science based ones.Before taking up writing, I undertook chemical engineering in the steel industry for 35 years.So I now write, drawing on my many experiences in exotic places throughout my working life. These were incredible at times! I also draw on many other experiences. Some are funny and interesting.Being an avid reader, I read almost anything. It is common for me to read three or four books at the same time on completely differing topics, both fiction and non-fiction. I mainly enjoy reading science fiction and fantasy books, my favorite authors being Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke and J.R.R. Tolkien. I also enjoy crime mysteries. Ancient and medieval history in Europe fascinate me and I use extrapolated facts from this history in my stories at times.Cosmology, general relativity and quantum physics intrigue me. New concepts and understanding continually develop in these fields. This is exciting to me and is the way of the future. Humanity is finally escaping the shackles of Earth and seriously reaching out into space.I rarely use aliens in my stories as the aliens I encounter in the stories I read are usually humans dressed up as aliens. So why not use humans. I do delve into genetic engineering. That is a realistic scientific development worth exploring in science fiction.You can get to know me better by viewing my website and subscribing to my emails, where I provide more information on my activities and explore interesting topics. Or follow me on Facebook.I live in Wollongong, Australia with my wife and family.

Book preview

1

HALWENDE’S WAR

Everyone’s eyes are on me after I make my announcement. Even Lilith, who has had eyes only for Sentinel since we arrived, is staring at me.

Adala looks dumbfounded, and Sentinel doesn’t appear to comprehend my words at all. The others — Ishtar, Zabada, and Mamagal — stand rigid and stern-faced, shooting fleeting, uncertain glances at each other. The air is thick with tension as they attempt to absorb my message.

This is a shock, Adala says at last. "You must explain this. But first, we must prepare rooms for our guests so they can freshen up. Then we can discuss this matter. And you, Adala glares at me, come with me!"

I gulp and dare not disobey her. At her command, servants enter and usher the others to their rooms. I follow Queen Adala through to her private chambers in the royal palace’s residential suites. As soon as the doors close behind us, Adala starts to weep, unable to contain her distress a moment longer. I rush to embrace her, but she pushes me away.

Adala, please, I’m sorry.

I don’t know whether to throw you in prison or ravish you.

I’d prefer the latter.

My words produce a wan smile to the angel for whom my soul aches. I try again to console her, and this time she relents. Moistening my jacket with her tears, she rests her head on me, her sobs slowly diminishing. I lift her chin and gaze into her emerald-green eyes. My heart races as I move to kiss her; her resistance melts as she responds.

We part, and Adala peers into my eyes, sadness on her face and teardrops dripping from her cheeks. I thought you were dead. Or left, never to return.

I promised to come back.

Then, what happened?

My past life caught up with me. Please sit.

We retire to a sofa and rest facing each other.

They captured me–, I begin.

Adala, distressed, grips my arm. Were you hurt … tortured?

I was. But I’m OK now. And then I had to help my friends. We’ll discuss that later. But not a heartbeat elapsed when I didn’t ache to return to you.

Adala’s eyes fill again with tears as she stares at me with concern. Not knowing what to do, I hug her, and her warmth and scent charge me with emotions I can barely control.

I’m still furious with you, she says in a calm voice as she pulls away from me.

I bought you a space yacht.

You did? Adala’s eyes sparkle with delight. When do we leave?

In good time. I reach for her hands and hold them. There are more urgent matters to discuss.

Let’s return to the others, and we will judge your news together. You may yet redeem yourself today.

I promise you I will. I give Adala a warm smile.

To the conference room, then.

Can we pass by the kitchen for a bite to eat along the way? I’m starving.

Adala laughs. Yes, we can.

We rise and leave. I grab a meat pie and an apple from the dining hall as we head to our meeting and consume them in almost one gulp. We are the first to arrive, but Sentinel and the others enter soon afterward, closely followed by Adala’s young siblings Sigmund and Freida, and two of her generals, Tancred and Ernst. Reluctantly, I part from Adala and rejoin my motley delegation comprising Ishtar, Lilith, Zabada, and Mamagal. I have a stake in both camps, but I must stand with them as their leader and the cause of our current predicament. I sense nervousness within both parties as our reunion comes to order.

With a cough to gain our attention, Adala begins proceedings. Helheim welcomes our guests from the outer galaxy. The visitors nod in acknowledgment. Although it’s still overwhelming to comprehend that another civilization beyond our planet exists, your presence today verifies Halwende’s claims. She smiles at me before her expression becomes earnest. But Halwende’s return also brings us unwanted and disturbing news of our need to prepare for war — a war not of our making. Can you explain why?

Our rebel delegation looks at one another, wondering who should speak. I suspect whose responsibility it will be, but I let the brief exchange of glances continue until their eyes gravitate to me. I believe we’ve sorted out our speaker, I say, a faint smile hiding the turmoil inside of me. Our Helheim hosts smile in return.

My gaze falls to my hands planted on the table’s surface as I build a framework around my recitation. Determined to give Adala as much of the truth as she — and Helheim — can take, I fasten my eyes on her and start. As you know, I left Helheim for Santori with my rescuers intent on establishing trade agreements with other realms in the galaxy. What you don’t know is that my rescuers, although true traders, knew about the bounty on my head in Eridu.

A buzz of surprise and confusion circulates amongst the Helheim people present, frowns disfiguring their faces as they digest my words.

A bounty? General Tancred asks, alarmed. What for?

Please bear with me while I explain, I say, and the room falls silent. Beyond these skies lies the Rigel Empire, of which I am a member. I was a leading general in the movement to overthrow the corrupt Emperor Shulgi and restore justice to the empire. It was my misfortune to place my trust in a peer who later defected to Shulgi’s side because he lost faith in our ability to defeat Shulgi. As he knew our plans, our slaughter was preordained in a battle designed to turn the war in our favor. That massacre included the deaths of my wife and daughter as a punishment for my defiance and to break my spirit. They succeeded. I could not deal with the shock of what happened — so I ran away, eking out a living on the fringes for years until I crashed on your planet. Vocalizing these words rekindles the despair I once felt and causes my voice to crack. Adala reaches out to comfort me, but the table’s width prevents her. I give a wan smile of gratitude.

"My so-called rescuers changed course to Eridu and when I realized what they were doing, they imprisoned me on their ship. As fortune had it, I turned the tables on them, imprisoning them instead and taking the ship to Santori, where I fulfilled my commitments to Queen Adala. I purchased a yacht for her while I was there — it’s parked within this system. I named the craft the Queen Rosalind in honor of Queen Adala’s mother."

Adala’s eyes widen at this, and she shoots me a warm look of gratitude.

I then traveled to Larsa, another planet in the empire, and it was there that I bumped into my past. I pause for a moment, but everyone is looking at me spellbound. I continue, Let’s just say that on Larsa, I realized I had a responsibility to continue the unfinished business to overthrow the emperor. So, I traveled to Eridu and rejoined the Resistance movement. We had minor success capturing armaments to add to the rebel’s arsenal and made other incursions to frustrate the emperor. But our triumph came at a price: Shulgi noticed my re-emergence.

I pause a moment as painful memories resurface before continuing, A traitor handed me over, and I was incarcerated in the palace. Shulgi tortured and humiliated me. In my semi-conscious state, I revealed the existence of Helheim — but not its location. I turn to glance at Lilith. Lilith, Shulgi’s daughter, helped secure my escape, placing herself at significant risk.

Everyone turns to look at Lilith, including Sentinel.

Once I escaped, we embarked on a more ambitious and audacious strategy, securing the embryo of a space-based navy by stealing theirs.

I bet that upset the emperor, interjects Sigmund, and there is a stir of amusement in the room.

It did. I could not leave Lilith in harm’s way after she had saved me. I had to take her from Shulgi’s reach. So, I devised a plan to extract her from the palace. My scheme failed, and I was flung in prison a second time, along with Lilith, with the immediate prospect of my execution.

I hang my head in humility. But I had more support than I realized. The Resistance organized a rescue, which succeeded, and I rejoined my fellow rebels in space. After a massive battle, which we narrowly won, we had no alternative but to move to safer grounds to regroup and devise further strategies for Shulgi’s downfall.

Silence surrounds me as my words settle.

I continue, But Shulgi will not rest until I am dead, and the rebels defeated. In coming here, I place you in grave danger. Please forgive my desperation. There are further reasons I desired to return here, other than my wish to reunite with you. My eyes linger on Adala. I need to access the library. And you must prepare for war.

I have said my piece and await a reply from Adala. She stares at me, and then at Sentinel before offering, I … do not know what to say. Your suffering is beyond my understanding. Your war is beyond my grasp. How can I enter an altercation not of my making? How do I defend this planet, my loyal subjects, against ships and weapons we can’t conceive or understand? We know nothing of the universe beyond our skies. You yourself told us, Halwende, that our armaments are primitive compared to yours. I can’t place my realm at the mercy of your emperor. Tell me, how can we help you? How can we survive? She looks straight at me with a dedicated ruler’s passion in her eyes.

I look away. I have no right to ask for your help. But I tell you, this war affects you more than you realize. I glance at Zabada, who gives a barely perceptible shake of his head in warning.

Adala rises, furious with me again. Yes, you have no right. How many people have you imperiled with your games? I saw it in you the last time. You keep pushing until something breaks — usually you. I can’t watch it … I can’t. Tears threaten to escape her eyes.

Her accusations slice into me. Her dedication to her realm humiliates me, and her love for me drowns me. I have nowhere to hide. Zabada’s warning prevents me from revealing what I most want to reveal, and I don’t yet know how Helheim can help me in this war.

Enough of this, Ishtar, sitting next to me, blurts out. I stare at her in horror, aware of her intentions. Halwende is like no one I know. The Resistance was made up of separate rebel bands before he came along. We were fighting more amongst ourselves than against the emperor. He united us. He rallied us to conduct the most audacious assaults, and we prevailed. We are stronger than ever. More desert the emperor and join us by the day. He is the hope we lacked.

Then take your hope and your increased support, Adala replies with a venom I have never seen, and fight your own war. Why involve us? I’m aware of Halwende’s charisma. Helheim will not help you.

Adala and Ishtar glare across the table at each other while I gaze at the heavens, wondering how to salvage the situation and calm both sides.

To my surprise, Sentinel speaks. If I may have a few words, my Queen. He glances at me and then at Adala. She nods her assent. "You are right to point out that we lack the weapons and technology to resist the power Halwende warns us we will face. My understanding from his report is that even his presence here has placed us in danger. His mention of our existence has endangered us, regardless of whether he stays or leaves.

But it was when you threw the switch and rejoined the galaxy, Your Majesty, that you sealed our fate, whether you realized it or not at the time. I do not rue your decision or chastise you — it was the right decision. But with it, you sealed our fate. We now must decide if we will rise to the challenge.

All eyes are now on Sentinel and none more ardent than Lilith’s.

Left to ourselves, we will surely fall to Shulgi’s might, Sentinel continues. They are stronger than us. We will have no choice but to surrender to save our people. But with Halwende, there’s a chance. He has proven this over and over. I don’t know how yet, but I believe he will resist the coming onslaught. I would give Halwende an opportunity not only to show us the means of resisting this menace but to raise us to be a power of reckoning on a galactic scale.

It is my turn to fight back the tears. Sentinel’s impassioned defense humbles me.

Adala’s glare focuses on him before deflating into a sigh of resignation. Oh, Ranulf, you’re meant to defend me, not manipulate me. Sentinel gives a wry smile. Adala sits and looks at me, studying me with the laser-sharp emerald eyes I remember so well. She glances at Ishtar again before returning to me. I will trust you, Halwende — for now. If you show us how we can defend ourselves, we will join your war, but I have grave fears for my people.

I am humbled by Sentinel’s words and your confidence. I will die before I disappoint you.

Adala glances away. That’s what frightens me.

After the intense meeting, and with no further commitments, I retire to my chambers to relax and recuperate. I walk to the window and peer out at the cherished view of Brandenfälle Waterfall, the sight of the torrent calming my mood. What right do I have to drag Helheim into my battles? What has overcome me to endanger Adala? Everything is evolving too fast. To digest the knowledge of my past and so my destiny is overwhelming. I desperately wish to enlighten Adala, but circumstances prevent me. I sigh as I watch the sun dip below the horizon.

A soft knock breaks the silence in the room, and I frown at the disturbance. After striding to the door, I open it. Sentinel stands there, wearing his usual somber expression. May I enter?

My frown lifts. Sure, my friend. I step aside for his passage and close the door.

Before I can thank him for his support today, he says, This news you bring is grim. It has upset Queen Adala no end.

I’m aware of that. But why come to tell me this?

There are those who resist her reforms. They question the wisdom of reinstating the royal family after Egon’s defeat. They want a governing body more malleable to their manipulations. This complication just adds fuel to their political goals. Sentinel paces beside the window, glancing my way often. He stops and confronts me. But I know you. You haven’t returned unaware of the danger or without a plan. So, what game are you playing?

My tension eases. I appreciate your honesty, Ranulf. I wasn’t aware of Adala’s troubles — she hasn’t confided in me. To answer your question, I play a dangerous game with many potential pitfalls. I wish I could take you into my confidence, but that isn’t possible yet. I will relate that I intertwine Adala’s and my destinies in the deadliest of games. If I don’t resolve this war, we won’t have a tomorrow … I won’t. And I dare not contemplate Adala’s future if I fail.

This is dire news. With unexpected swiftness, Sentinel bridges the gap between us and grabs my shoulders. He drills his eyes into mine. When we asked for aid, you assisted us. You sacrificed your life for us many times with no expectation of reward. Now it’s my turn to help you. My loyalty will always be to Queen Adala, but I give my full support to your cause as far as I am able. I, too, sense a joining of destinies here. Ask what you need, and I will strive to offer it. This is the friendship I give you.

Sentinel’s words overwhelm me, and I hug him to hide my tears. You are a loyal friend. I cannot repay you.

Parted again, Sentinel replies, My Queen’s happiness is the only repayment I seek.

And I, too, wish that.

I sense a tension dissolve, only to be replaced with a new one. Sentinel looks troubled, but I wait for him to speak his mind.

He glances at me and sighs. What is it with this nymph that fawns after me whenever we meet?

I roar with laughter. Sentinel stares, confused.

Lilith? Can’t you tell? She’s infatuated with you.

Well, inform her to cease it immediately. She makes me nervous.

The great Sentinel unnerved by a woman? I beam, feeling my worries draining from me for the moment.

Stop making fun of me. He uses stern words, but good humor lies beneath them.

You must understand by now, you can’t deny womanly wiles. You’ll just have to resolve your problem yourself.

At least I know to avoid her at the banquet tonight.

I glance at my chronometer. Speaking of which, I must prepare for it.

Sentinel moves to leave. See you at the dinner.

He leaves, and I stare at the closed door, marveling at our friendship. His relationship trouble brings another snigger to my lips as I head for the bathroom.

2

A ROYAL BANQUET

Dressed, I check my appearance before a full-length mirror just as a second knock beckons me. A moment after opening it, I stagger two steps back, taking in the goddess Adala. She is as charming as I remember, her emerald dress complementing her green irises. A massive diamond dangles around her neck, sparkling in unison with her eyes. As the spell breaks, I stand without words until a wry smile develops. You never knock.

My regal etiquette has taught me a modicum of decorum. She smiles back.

I liked it better when you were less decorous. You look stunning, as usual.

Thank you. Her cheeks blush. Shall I escort you to the dining room?

With pleasure.

We make our way to dinner and the festivities, arriving first so Adala can receive her guests.

I stand beside her in my Grand Chancellor role.

Sigmund and Freida arrive and greet us before taking the soft drinks offered to them by the staff. I marvel again at how much they have matured since the first day I met them. Sigmund has grown into a teenager and Freida into a young lady.

Sentinel arrives next. He is dressed in regal apparel, his hair groomed and plaited, but he looks nervous, and I grin as I guess the source of his nervousness. Generals Ernst and Tancred arrive on his tail and move over to join the others.

Mamagal and Zabada enter together, discussing matters between themselves in voices too low to overhear, before concentrating on their host.

Welcome, Mamagal, Zabada, Adala says.

The pleasure is ours, Mamagal replies.

Zabada gives Adala a piercing stare before responding, You are twice as stunning as I’ve been told. He glances toward me. You should have warned me. She could beguile even an old man.

I smile. Where are your manners? You’re discussing my Queen. I’m not sure if such language is permissible.

Adala glares at me as I turn to her, although I see mirth behind the glare. A Queen requires compliments too. She returns her attention to Zabada. You are most gracious, Zabada. Halwende is poor at describing people.

Ah, but it’s not Halwende who informed me.

Adala raises her eyebrows. Well, enjoy the evening. We shall discuss this mysterious source later.

At your pleasure. Zabada bows and moves over to join the others.

Lilith and Ishtar, who had arrived while we were talking with Zabada, now await our attention — although I notice Lilith craning her neck to find Sentinel.

Once Zabada leaves, they step forward to present themselves.

Welcome, Lilith. Adala smiles as she greets her.

Your Majesty, it’s an honor to dine with you tonight. Lilith curtseys.

No formalities, please. I hope you enjoy the evening and the company. Adala glances over at me and flashes a wicked smile.

I struggle to prevent a snigger from escaping my lips.

I shall. Lilith drifts toward the other guests.

Your Majesty. Ishtar bows her head.

Ishtar. May your evening be enjoyable, Adala says in an icy tone.

Ishtar looks hurt by the frosty reception and glances at me for enlightenment before politely thanking Adala and moving to join the others, too.

Why the terse welcome? I whisper to Adala.

What terse welcome?

Ishtar.

I just greeted her as I did everyone else.

I don’t believe her, and she knows it but won’t elaborate. Her manner isn’t typical.

We dine, interwoven with convivial small talk — although an underlying tension remains between Adala and Ishtar. I fear it will boil over at any moment, which disturbs and confuses me. What is Adala’s problem?

Lilith, placed opposite Sentinel, much to his discomfort, tries to strike up a conversation with him, but he parries every attempt. I grin as I watch them. Lilith’s frustration is plain, and eventually she resorts to talking with Frieda instead, despite the disparity in age.

Afterward, we mingle on the balcony overlooking the palace gardens. Adala and I have separated to converse with the guests. I notice Lilith has cornered Sentinel and won’t let him escape as she talks with him. He glances over at me and signals with his eyes for help. I shrug and move on, grinning at his expense. I know I’ll pay for it later.

Ishtar approaches me,